NCCSL to explore new business opportunities in Iraq

The discussion between the officials of the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) and of the Iraqi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Secretary General Abdul Hussein J R Mubarak revealed that there are many opportunities for Sri Lankan exporters and even employees in Iraq. Hussein indicated that back in 1976 Iraq was buying a large volume of tea from Sri Lanka and as at present the position held by Sri Lanka was replaced by India and China with Sri Lanka's contribution to the Iraq imported tea market becoming thin.

He said still the Iraqi people like to drink Sri Lanka tea and wish to import more tea from Sri Lanka. Not only tea, but also rubber products and agricultural based products form Sri Lanka could find a good market in Iraq, Hussein said.

He also invited a delegation from Sri Lanka to visit Iraq so that they can arrange a meeting with Iraqi buyers of Sri Lanka tea, rubber and agriculture products.

He also said that hotels in Iraq could also provide employment to Sri Lankan youth on some long term contracts. Sri Lankan business community is invited to open a Sri Lankan trading centre in Bagdad to make Sri Lankan products readily available in the Iraqi market. Iraqi Government could also facilitate Sri Lankan companies to have their branch offices in Iraq with a view to increasing trade between the two countries.

Absence of direct flights from Colombo to Baghdad is a barrier for bilateral business promotion. The meeting was chaired by National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka Secretary Sujeiva Samaraweera.